World leaders recognize Syrian opposition in Marrakech; King Mohammed VI urges UN Security Council to support transfer of power

WASHINGTON, Dec. 13, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ (MACP) -- Leaders from 114 countries and organizations gathered in Marrakech, Morocco Wednesday for a summit of the "Friends of Syria" alliance and officially recognized the newly formed Syrian opposition coalition as the "legitimate representative" of the Syrian people.

In his address, King Mohammed urged members of the UN Security Council, over which Morocco currently presides, to adopt "a unified, resolute stance as quickly as possible to spare the Syrian people further tragedy and suffering, and to support the transfer of power in Syria for the establishment of a democratic, multi-party system."

King Mohammed applauded "the dynamism of the Syrian opposition for unifying the full spectrum of political opinion, at home and abroad," which he said "culminated in the Doha Declaration on the establishment of the National Coalition for Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces, headed by Sheikh Moaz al-Khatib."

"This is a major political achievement for the Syrian opposition, which gives it legitimacy in the transition period," as it works to fulfill the hopes of the Syrian people in building a democratic Syrian state, said King Mohammed. He added that this should also facilitate efforts by the international community "to provide support to the coalition in a collective, efficient and orderly manner, according to each one's capabilities and competencies."

Earlier this fall, King Mohammed ordered the setting up of a Moroccan field hospital at the Zaatari camp in Jordan ― which he visited in October ― that has aided more than 40,000 Syrian refugees. As part of a broad international humanitarian aid effort, Morocco has also sent 2,000 winterized tents, tons of foodstuff, medicine, and blankets to benefit the refugees in both Jordan and Turkey.

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